Treatment Options for Nearsightedness By Walter Choate on September 17, 2013

Treatment Options for NearsightednessThere are many different vision problems out there that skilled optometrists and ophthalmologists can address. The most important thing is that patients receive the right care that meets their unique needs. One rather common vision issues that we often treat is nearsightedness.

There are a number of misunderstandings about what nearsightedness is and how it's caused, so we'd like to take a few minutes to go over some of the basics and then look into the most common treatment options out there.

What is nearsightedness?

Also known as myopia, nearsightedness refers to the ability to see nearby objects clearly while objects at a distance appear far away.

When a person is myopic, it means that when light passes through the eye, it doesn't focus properly on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. Instead, the light focuses in front of the retina.

Causes of Nearsightedness

The most common cause of nearsightedness is poor shape of the cornea, the clear frontal/outer layer of the eye. The cornea can cause light to pass through the eye improperly and not focus on the retina as it should. Nearsightedness is often genetic. It can worsen with age, though for some patients the nearsightedness will level off at a certain point.

Below are three common methods that vision correction experts use to treat nearsightedness.

Treating Nearsightedness with Refractive Surgery

LASIK / refractive surgery is one of the most popular options out there for dealing with nearsightedness and other refractive errors. This kind of surgery uses safe surgical lasers to physically reshape the corneas. This makes light pass through the eyes and focus on the retinas properly. After undergoing LASIK or a similar refractive surgery (e.g., PRK, LASEK), patients will be able to see clearly at all distances.

Treating Nearsightedness with Contact Lenses

When it comes to addressing nearsightedness with little hassle, contact lenses are a great option to consider. Contacts have been used for decades to improve vision and allow people to see clearly and crisply. There are different kinds of contact lenses out there that might be right for you and your needs. We can go over all of these options at great length during your visit.

Treating Nearsightedness with Glasses

Some patients prefer eyeglasses over refractive surgery and contact lenses. Not only are glasses a tried and true solution for achieving excellent vision, but they can be a real fashion statement as well. In addition to picking the right lenses for your needs, we can help you determine which frames might be best to complement your appearance or signify your personality to the world.

Weighing All of Your Options for Improved Vision

Since refractive surgery, contacts, and eyeglasses are all effective, there's no one solution that's automatically better than the others. When you stop in for a visit, we will be sure to answer all of your questions so you can make the eye care treatment decision that is best for you and your individual goals.

Learn More About Advanced Eye Care Treatments

For more information about vision correction and your many different options for achieving excellent eyesight, be sure to contact our Goodlettsville eye care and optical center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible eye health and vision quality.

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Dr. Choate

Choate Eye Associates

Choate Eye Associates has been delivering high-quality, compassionate eye care to the Nashville community since 1979. We are affiliated with various leading organizations in the field, including: 

  • American Academy of Optometry
  • American Optometric Association 
  • National Board of Examiners in Optometry 

To schedule a consultation at our practice, call us at (615) 851-7575 or request an appointment online

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"I am very pleased with the attention I received at Choate Eye Associates. Dr. Choate is very thorough and does a wonderful job of explaining what he is doing and what he is looking for in the exam." Dianal - Comprehensive Eye Care Patient

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